Systems, Circuits and Apparatus For In Vivo Detection of Biomolecule Concentrations Using Fluorescent Tags

ABSTRACT

Systems are disclosed wherein labeled binding molecules can be provided in vivo to tissue having biomolecules that specifically bind the labeled binding molecule. A first optical radiation is emitted into the tissue in vivo to excite the labeled binding molecule bound to the biomolecule in vivo. A second optical radiation that is emitted by the excited labeled binding molecule, in response to the excitation thereof, can be detected in vivo. Related telemetric-circuits and apparatus are also disclosed.

CLAIM FOR PRIORITY AND CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/126,500 filed May 23, 2008 which is a divisional of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 10/005,889 filed Nov. 7, 2001 which issuedas U.S. Pat. No. 7,378,056 on May 27, 2008, which claims the benefit ofU.S. Provisional Application No. 60/247,574 filed Nov. 9, 2000, entitledMethods, Circuits, and Compositions of Matter for In Vivo Detection ofBiomolecule Concentrations Using Fluorescent Tags, the entiredisclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of sensors, and moreparticularly, to biomolecular sensors.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The ex vivo study of malignant cell populations has established somegeneral principles by which clinical treatment protocols are developed.These principles have established differences between malignant andnormal cell populations and have been employed in the treatment ofmalignant disease. There have been attempts to exploit thesedifferences, both in pre-clinical and clinical studies, to obtain totaltumor cell kills and improved cure rates.

One of the major obstacles in achieving this goal has been thedifficulty in minimizing normal tissue toxicity while increasing tumorcell kill (therapeutic index). Thus, some treatment strategies employ anempirical approach in the treatment of malignant disease. In particular,the time of delivery and dose of cytotoxic agents can be guided more bythe response and toxicity to normal tissue than by the effects on themalignant cell population.

Unfortunately, this approach may not provide accurate information on thechanges during treatment of a malignant cell population. Making thisinformation available may allow clinicians to exploit the differencesbetween malignant and normal cells, and hence improve the treatmentprocedures.

There have been a number of attempts to study changes that occur withina cell population. However, these attempts have not shown the ability tomonitor the changes on a real time basis. Indeed, these methodstypically provide information at one point in time and most are designedto provide information on one particular function or parameter. Inaddition, most of the conventional methods can be expensive as well astime consuming. This can be problematic for patients undergoing extendedtreatment periods typical of radiation and chemotherapy, especially whenit is desirable to follow changes both during an active treatment andsubsequent to the active treatment.

In addition, tumors may have periods in which they are more susceptibleto treatment by radiation or drug therapy. Providing a monitoring systemwhich can continuously or semi-continuously monitor and potentiallyidentify such a susceptible condition could provide increases in tumordestruction rates.

Numerous tumor specific antigens (TSA) have been identified andantibodies specific for a number of these TSA's are known. For example,it has been demonstrated that sigma-2 receptors found on the surface ofcells of the 9L rat brain tumor cell line, the mouse mammaryadenocarcinoma lines 66 (diploid) and 67 (aneuploid), and the MCF-7human breast tumor cell line may be markers of tumor cell proliferation.See Mach R H et al., Sigma 2 receptors as potential biomarkers ofproliferation in breast cancer. Cancer Res Jan. 1, 1997; 57(1):156-61;Al-Nabulsi I et al., Effect of ploidy, recruitment, environmentalfactors, and tamoxifen treatment on the expression of sigma-2 receptorsin proliferating and quiescent tumour cells. Br J Cancer 1999 November;81(6):925-33. Such markers may be amenable to detection by non-invasiveimaging procedures. Accordingly, ligands that selectively bind sigma-2receptors may be used to assess the proliferative status of tumors,although in vivo techniques utilizing such ligands have heretofore notbeen known. Although the field of tumor-specific treatment is stillrelatively unsettled, various researchers have proposed severalpotentially important techniques useful in such treatment. For example,the ex vivo detection of biomolecules can be useful in predicting thetiming for advantageous treatment of tumors. Many of these techniquesuse a “hybridization event” to alter the physical or chemical propertiesassociated with the biomolecules. The biomolecules having the alteredproperty can be detected, for example, by optical or chemical means.

One known technique for the detection of biomolecules, calledEnzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), involves the detection ofbinding between a biomolecule and an enzyme-labeled antibody specificfor the biomolecule. Other methods of detecting biomolecules utilizeimmunofluorescence, involving the use of a fluorescently labeledantibody to indicate the presence of the biomolecule. The in vivo use ofthese techniques may involve an invasive introduction of a sensor intothe in vivo site to be analyzed. Moreover, these techniques may not bereliable if the surface where the sensor and the tissue interact is notclean. In particular, in vivo use can cause a sensor to become“bio-fouled” over time such that the operational properties of thesensor may change. In particular, proteins may begin to develop on thesensor within minutes of insertion of the sensor into the tissue, whichmay cause the sensor to operate improperly. In view of the foregoing,there remains a need for circuits, compositions of matter, and methodswhich can be used to, inter alia, detect biomolecular concentrations invivo.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to methods, compositions, apparatusand circuits for detection of biomolecular concentrations in vivo.

Accordingly, a first aspect of the invention provides a system fordetecting biomolecules in vivo, comprising: means for providing labeledbinding molecules in vivo to tissue having biomolecules, wherein thelabeled binding molecules specifically binds the biomolecules; means foremitting a first optical radiation into the tissue in vivo to excite thelabeled binding molecule bound to the biomolecule in vivo; and means fordetecting, in vivo, a second optical radiation emitted by the excitedlabeled binding molecule in response to the excitation thereof.

A second aspect of the present invention provides an implantableapparatus comprising: an optical radiation source configured for in vivouse to emit first optical radiation to excite local fluorescentlylabeled binding molecules in vivo which are selectively bound to targetbiomolecules; an optical radiation detector configured for in vivo useto detect second optical radiation emitted by fluorescence of thelabeled binding molecules bound to the target biomolecules in vivo inresponse to excitation exposure to the first optical radiation; aprocessor circuit, coupled to the optical radiation source and theoptical radiation detector, that controls the emission of the firstoptical radiation and that receives an intensity signal associated withthe intensity of the second optical radiation and transmits a signalassociated with the intensity of the second optical radiation to an exvivo system; and a supply of the fluorescently labeled binding moleculesconfigured to be excited by the first optical radiation, the supplybeing encapsulated by a material that dissolves over time to release thefluorescently labeled binding molecules in vivo proximate to the targetbiomolecules to which the fluorescently labeled binding molecules areconfigured to bind.

In an additional embodiment of the invention, a circuit for detectingbiomolecules in vivo is provided, the circuit comprising: an in vivooptical radiation source configured to emit first optical radiation; afirst in vivo optical radiation detector configured to detect the firstoptical radiation to provide an optical radiation source feed backsignal; a second in vivo optical radiation detector configured to detectsecond optical radiation emitted by excited labeled binding molecules;and a processor circuit, coupled to the in vivo optical radiation sourceand the first and second in vivo optical radiation detectors, configuredto change a level of the first optical radiation based on the opticalradiation source feed back signal.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, a circuit fordetecting biomolecules in vivo is provided, the circuit comprising: anin vivo optical radiation source configured to emit first opticalradiation; an in vivo optical radiation detector configured to detectsecond optical radiation emitted by excited labeled binding molecules;and a processor circuit, coupled to the in vivo optical radiation sourceand the in vivo optical radiation detector, configured to operate inconjunction with the release of labeled binding molecules for bindingwith biomolecules associated with tumors for excitation by the firstoptical radiation and that receives an intensity signal associated withthe intensity of the second optical radiation.

In a still further embodiment of the invention, a circuit for circuitfor detecting biomolecules in vivo is provided, the circuit comprising:an in vivo optical radiation source configured to emit first opticalradiation; an apparatus configured to controllably release labeledbinding molecules for excitation; an in vivo optical radiation detectorconfigured to detect second optical radiation emitted by excited labeledbinding molecules; and a processor circuit, coupled to the in vivooptical radiation source, the in vivo optical radiation detector, andthe apparatus, the processor circuit configured to control the emissionof the first optical radiation and to receive a signal associated withthe intensity of the second optical radiation and configured totemporally control release of labeled binding molecules from theapparatus according to a predetermined time interval.

Accordingly, labeled binding molecules can bind biomolecules associatedwith tumor cells. A radiation source can be used to excite the labeledbinding molecules bound to the biomolecules. The labeled bindingmolecules emit a second optical radiation in response to the excitation.A sensor can be used to detect a level of the optical radiation emittedby the labeled binding molecules. The level of the second opticalradiation can be used to determine the concentration of biomoleculespresent. The growth or proliferation of the tumor cells may beapproximated from the concentration of biomolecules. Embodiments of theinvention advantageously integrate the ability to probe fluorescentlytagged entities with an implantable sensor platform, thus allowingaccurate, real time determinations of biomolecules concentration invivo.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of embodiments according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of embodiments according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of matrix compositions of matteraccording to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of matrix compositions of matteraccording to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram that illustrates embodiments according tothe present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodimentsof the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied inmany different forms and should not be construed as limited to theembodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided sothat this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fullyconvey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Likenumbers refer to like elements throughout. In the figures, certainlayers, regions, or components may be exaggerated or enlarged forclarity.

The terminology used in the description of the invention herein is forthe purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is notintended to be limiting of the invention. As used in the description ofthe invention and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and“the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless thecontext clearly indicates otherwise.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art to which this invention belongs. All publications, patentapplications, patents, and other references mentioned herein areincorporated by reference in their entirety. The term “tissue,” as usedherein, can include cells, organs, bodily fluids, and other biologicalmatter in a biological sample or the body of a subject. For example, theterm tissue can be used to describe cells, organs and/or otherbiological matter in a human body. The term “biomolecule” can includetumor specific antigens (TSA), such as proteins associated withparticular types of tumor cells. It will be understood that the presentinvention may be used for in vivo use or for ex vivo use. It will alsobe understood that the term “in vivo” is specifically intended toencompass in situ applications.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, biomolecules (e.g.,antigens) associated with hyperproliferative cells (including tumors,cancers, and neoplastic tissue, along with pre-malignant andnon-neoplastic or non-malignant hyperproliferative cells) are detected.The term “tumor” is generally understood in the art to mean an abnormalmass of undifferentiated cells within a multicellular organism. Tumorscan be malignant or benign. Preferably, embodiments of the inventionsdisclosed herein are used to detect biomolecules associated withmalignant tumors. Examples of tumors, cancers, and neoplastic tissueassociated with the biomolecules that can be detected by embodiments ofthe present invention include but are not limited to malignant tumorssuch as breast cancers; osteosarcomas; angiosarcomas; fibrosarcomas andother sarcomas; sinus tumors; ovarian, uretal, bladder, prostate andother genitourinary cancers; colon esophageal and stomach cancers andother gastrointestinal cancers; lung cancers; myelomas; pancreaticcancers; liver cancers; kidney cancers; endocrine cancers; skin cancers;and brain or central and peripheral nervous (CNS) system tumors,malignant or benign, including gliomas and neuroblastomas. Biomoleculesassociated with premalignant and non-neoplastic or non-malignanthyperproliferative tissue include but are not limited to biomoleculesassociated with myelodysplastic disorders; cervical carcinoma-in-situ;familial intestinal polyposes such as Gardner syndrome; oralleukoplakias; histiocytoses; keloids; hemangiomas; psoriasis; and cellsmade hyperproliferative by viral infections (e.g., warts).

Although the present invention is described herein with reference to thedetection of antigens associated with tumor and other hyperproliferativecells, the present invention may also be utilized for the measurement ofglucose, cell necrosis byproducts, cell signaling proteins, and thelike.

The embodiments of the present invention are primarily concerned withuse in human subjects, but the embodiments of the invention may also beused with animal subjects, particularly mammalian subjects such asprimates, mice, rats, dogs, cats, livestock and horses for veterinarypurposes, and for drug screening and drug development purposes.

As used herein, the term “optical radiation” can include radiation thatcan be used to transmit signals in tissue, such as radiation in thevisible, ultraviolet, infrared and/or other portions of theelectromagnetic radiation spectrum.

Although the embodiments described herein refer to fluorescently labeledbinding molecules (i.e., antibodies), it will be understood that thepresent invention may be used with any type label, including fluorescentlabels (e.g., fluorescein, rhodamine), radioactive labels (e.g., ³⁵S,¹²⁵I, ¹³¹I), bioluminescent labels (e.g., biotin-streptavidin, greenfluorescent protein (GFP)), and enzyme labels (e.g., horseradishperoxidase, alkaline phosphatase).

It will also be understood that while embodiments described herein referspecifically to antibodies, the present invention may also be used withother molecules that bind the biomolecules to be detected. Furthermore,although the present invention is described with reference to detectingconcentrations of antigens, the present invention may also be used todetect the concentration of any biomolecules whose detection is desired,including but not limited to proteins, polypeptides, nucleic acids,polysaccharides, and the like.

As used herein, the term “antibody” is understood to encompass allantibodies as that term is understood in the art, including but notlimited to polyclonal, monoclonal, chimeric, and single chainantibodies, Fab fragments, and fragments produced by a Fab expressionlibrary. Monoclonal antibodies may be prepared using any technique whichprovides for the production of antibody molecules by continuous celllines in culture. These include, but are not limited to, the hybridomatechnique, the human B-cell hybridoma technique, and the EBV-hybridomatechnique. See, e.g., G. Kohler et al. (1975) Nature 256, 495-497; D.Kozbor et al. (1985) J. Immunol. Methods 81, 31-42; R. J. Cote et al.(1983) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 80, 2026-2030; and S. P. Cole et al.(1984) Mol. Cell Biol. 62, 109-120.

Chimeric antibodies may be produced according to methods set forth in,for example, S. L. Morrison et al. (1984) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., 81,6851-6855; M. S. Neuberger et al. (1984) Nature 312, 604-608; and S.Takeda et al. (1985) Nature 314, 452-454). Alternatively, techniquesdescribed for the production of single chain antibodies may be adapted,using methods known in the art, to produce antigen-specific single chainantibodies. Antibodies may also be produced by inducing in vivoproduction in the lymphocyte population or by screening immunoglobulinlibraries or panels of highly specific binding reagents as disclosed inthe literature. See, e.g., R. Orlandi et al. (1989) Proc. Natl. Acad.Sci, 86, 3833-3837; and G. Winter et al. (1991) Nature 349, 293-299.Antibodies with related specificity, but of distinct idiotypiccomposition, may be generated by chain shuffling from randomcombinatorial immunoglobulin libraries. See e.g., D. R. Burton (1991)Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 88, 11120-11123).

Antibody fragments which contain specific binding sites for antigens canalso be used. For example, such fragments include, but are not limitedto, the F(ab′)2 fragments which can be produced by pepsin digestion ofthe antibody molecule and the Fab fragments which can be generated byreducing the disulfide bridges of the F(ab′)2 fragments. Alternatively,Fab expression libraries may be constructed to allow rapid and easyidentification of monoclonal Fab fragments with the desired specificity.See W. D. Huse et al. (1989) Science 254, 1275-1281.

Fluorescence-based assays are well established for ex vivo studies and anumber of fluorophores and tagged antibody systems are commerciallyavailable. An extensive list of commercially available pH-dependentfluorophores useful in the practice of the present invention can befound in R. P. Haugland, Chapter 23 (“pH Indicators”) of Handbook ofFluorescent Probes and Research Chemicals, Sixth Edition (MolecularProbes, Inc. Eugene, Oreg., (1996), and HTML version located atwww.probes.com).

According to embodiments of the present invention, fluorescently labeledbinding molecules, such as antibodies, can be bound to biomolecules,such as antigens, associated with tumor cells. An optical radiationsource can be used to excite the fluorescently labeled antibodies boundto the antigens. The fluorescently labeled antibodies emit a secondoptical radiation in response to the excitation. A sensor can be used todetect a level of the optical radiation emitted by the fluorescentlylabeled antibodies. The level of emitted optical radiation can be usedto determine the concentration of antigens present. The concentration ofantigen may then be correlated to the amount, or the presence, or thegrowth or proliferation behavior of the tumor cells based on knownrelationships between concentration of tumor specific antigen and theseparameters, or according to relationships that may be determined by theskilled artisan.

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of embodiments according to thepresent invention that can be used to determine antigen levels of invivo tumor tissue 110. The tumor tissue 110 may be characterized by atype of tumor specific antigen (TSA) 195 located at the surface 100 ofthe tumor tissue 110. For example, a TSA 195 may be found on the surfaceof cell tissue 110. In general, suitable biomolecules (i.e., TSAs)indicative of tumor cell proliferation are essentially independent ofmany of the biological, physiological, and/or environmental propertiesthat are found in solid tumors. Although only a single surface of tissue110 is shown, it will be understood that embodiments according to thepresent invention may be utilized to detect biomolecule concentrationsfor a plurality of tissue 110.

The phase of the tumor tissue 110 may be detected based on aconcentration level of the TSA 195 at the surface 100. For example, a“growth” phase of the tumor may be characterized by relatively highconcentrations of the TSA 195 and a “remission” phase may becharacterized by relatively low concentrations of TSA 195.

A platform 105 is located in vivo proximate to the tumor tissue 110 andmay or may not become bio-fouled with a bio-fouling tissue 190 overtime. The platform 105 carries a matrix material 140 that can includefluorescently labeled antibodies 130 that are suspended in the matrixmaterial 140. The matrix material 140 can be soluble so that thefluorescently labeled antibodies 130 can be released from the matrixmaterial 140 over time. The matrix material 140 can be in the shape of acylinder as shown, for example, in FIGS. 3 and 4. Other shapes may beused. The platform 105 can also include a telemetry system thattransmits and receive signals to and from systems which are ex vivo.

The fluorescently labeled antibodies 130 are selected to specificallyinteract or bind with the TSA 195 that characterizes the tumor tissue110, but is not associated with normal tissue. More than one TSA 195 maycharacterize a the tumor tissue 110.

When the fluorescently labeled antibodies 130 are released from thematrix material 140, some of the fluorescently labeled antibodies 130bind with the TSA 195 on the surface 100 proximate to the platform 105to form a binding complex 160. The unbound fluorescently labeledantibodies 150 may dissipate over time to become remote from theplatform 105.

An optical radiation source 120 emits a first optical radiation 170 thatexcites the fluorescent labels of the binding complexes 160 to a higherenergy state. In one embodiment of the invention, the first opticalradiation is emitted through a biofouling tissue 190. Once excited, thefluorescent labels of the bound complexes emit a second opticalradiation 180. The respective wavelengths of the first optical radiation170 and the second optical 180 may be selected to promote penetration ofthe bio-fouling tissue 190. The optical radiation source can be, forexample, a laser diode, a high power Light Emitting Diode (LED), or thelike, as described further herein.

An optical radiation detector 115 can detect the second opticalradiation 180 through bio-fouling tissue 190 thereby avoiding some ofthe drawbacks associated with conventional techniques. A time intervalbetween the emission of the first optical radiation 170 and detection ofthe second optical radiation 180 can be selected to allow thefluorescently labeled antibodies 130 to bind with the TSA 195 on thesurface 100. The optical radiation detector 115 can be a photodiode or aphototransistor. Other devices as described further herein and/or knownto those skilled in the art and may be also be used.

The optical radiation detector 115 can include an optical absorptionfilter to reduce the effects of background noise. The optical radiationsource 120 and the optical radiation detector 115 can be separated by ashield that reduces the amount of the first optical radiation 170 thatreaches the optical radiation detector 115. In some embodiments, theoptical radiation detector 115 is located about 500 micrometers from thebound complexes 160. In other embodiments, the optical radiationdetector 115 includes a lens that collects and focuses the secondoptical radiation 180 so that the separation between the opticalradiation detector 115 and the bound complexes 160 may be increased.

The intensity of the second optical radiation 180 can be used todetermine the concentration of the TSA 195. In particular, the TSA 195that is proximate to the platform 105 may have fluorescently labeledantibodies 130 bound thereto. Accordingly, the fluorescent labels mayemit the second optical radiation 180 after the excitation of the firstoptical radiation 170.

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of embodiments according to thepresent invention. According to FIG. 2, a platform 200 can be located invivo proximate to tissue 290 that includes antigens 205. A bio-foulingtissue 225 may develop on portions of the platform 200 over time. Theplatform 200 can include first and second matrix materials 240 and 215,respectively. The first matrix material 240 can include unlabeledantibodies 220. The second matrix material 215 can include fluorescentlylabeled antibodies 210. In some embodiments, additional matrix materialscan be used. As described herein, the matrix materials may includedifferent concentrations of antibodies and/or mixtures of antibodieswherein some antibodies may be labeled and others may not be labeled.

The unlabeled and fluorescently labeled antibodies 220, 210 can bereleased continuously over time or in phases as described herein. Therelease of the respective antibodies may be out of phase with respect toeach other. For example, unlabeled antibodies 220 may be released duringa first time interval and the fluorescently labeled antibodies 210 maybe released during a second time interval. The antibodies may also bereleased using an apparatus 270 coupled to the respective matrixmaterial, as described further herein. The apparatus 270 coupled to eachmatrix material may be different. In some embodiments, the apparatus 270may be used to control the rate of release of the unlabeled and/orlabeled antibodies. The use of a controlled release strategy can beemployed to provide a continuous source of fluorescently-labeledantibody 230, which can be advantageous in the dynamic biologicalenvironment in which the platform 200 must function.

The unlabeled antibodies 220 are released into the tissue 290 to providefree unlabeled antibodies 235. The fluorescently labeled antibodies 210are released to provide free fluorescently labeled antibodies 230. Someof the free fluorescently labeled antibodies 230 bind to the antigens205 to provide bound antigens 231. Some of the bound antigens 231 becomebound to the unlabeled antibodies 220 at the surface of the secondmatrix material 240 to provide bound structures 290 at the surface ofthe second matrix material 240. An optical radiation emitter/detector285 is adjacent to the second matrix material 285 and can be used toexcite the bound structures 290 and detect a signal as discussed above.

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of compositions of matter accordingto the present invention. According to FIG. 3, fluorescently labeledantibodies 330 are released from a matrix material 335 over time. Thematrix material can be selected based on factors such asbiocompatibility, time release characteristics, degradation, interactionwith the fluorescently labeled antibodies 330 suspended therein, lack ofautofluorescence, etc.

It will be understood that other fluorescently labeled antibodies may beincluded in the matrix material 335 to provide a mixture of differenttypes of antibodies. The term “different types of antibodies” will beunderstood to meant that one type of antibody may have more than kind oflabel, i.e., label A and label B. Alternatively, more than one type ofantibody (i.e., antibody A and antibody B) may have the same label. Forexample, the matrix material 335 can include type A and type Bfluorescently labeled antibodies 330. Moreover, the A and B typefluorescently labeled antibodies 330 may have different concentrations.For example, the A type fluorescently labeled antibodies 330 cancomprise 20% of the fluorescently labeled antibodies 330 and the type Bfluorescently labeled antibodies 330 can comprise 80% of thefluorescently labeled antibodies 330. Additional types of fluorescentlylabeled antibodies 330 may also be included in varying concentrations.

It is preferable that the matrix material 335 not react with or damagethe fluorescently labeled antibodies 330 suspended therein. It is alsopreferable that the matrix material 335 not promote bio-fouling at theinteraction surface 340 so that the fluorescently labeled antibodies 330may be released over time without undue interference. The matrixmaterial 335 may comprise one or more of several polymers. The choice ofpolymer can be determined empirically as encapsulation, degradation andrelease characteristics of polymers in tissue may vary from subject tosubject, or from cell type to cell type, or from sample to sample, andthe like. Suitable biodegradable polymers can be based on hydrolysis ofester linkages in the polymer, and a variety of polymers of this typeare commercially available and well characterized. Many of thesepolymers degrade into small, non-toxic molecules. Some of the mostcommon biodegradable polymers are poly(lactic acid) and poly(glycolicacid). Fried, Joel R. Polymer Science and Technology, Englewood Cliffs,N.J., Prentice Hall, 1995, pp. 246-249. In some embodiments according tothe present invention, the matrix material 335 is a mixture of differentmaterials such as a combination of polylactic acid and polyglycolicacid. The different materials can occur in a range of concentrations.For example, the matrix material 335 can comprise between about 0 andabout 50% polylactic acid and/or between about 10 and about 50%polyglycolic acid.

In some embodiments, time release of the fluorescently labeledantibodies 330 may be controlled by selecting the matrix material 335based on the biocompatibility of the material 335 with the antibody orbiomolecule to be detected, polymer type, polymer structure (e.g., thephysical size and porosity of the polymer release bead), the molecularweight of the matrix material 335, the porosity of the matrix material335, and/or other material parameters.

In other embodiments, the matrix material 335 may be coupled to anapparatus 350 that can affect the rate at which the matrix material 335releases the fluorescently labeled antibodies 330. For example, theapparatus 350 can be a piezoelectric circuit that vibrates the matrixmaterial 335, thereby causing the fluorescently labeled antibodies 330to be released at varying rates. Although several parameters (e.g.,polymer structure, molecular weight, porosity, etc.) are available tocontrol the rate and time course of release, other techniques forcontrolling release may be used. For example, the polymer may be mountedon top of a piezoelectric element, whereby the actuation of the element(e.g., mechanically shaking the polymer with a sinusoidal input to thepiezoelectric) increases the rate of release. Another option formodulating release rate is to blend the matrix material 335 with anelectrically conducting polymer (e.g., polypyrrole) and, by oxidizingand reducing the polymer electrochemically, modulate the porosity of theblend (Kontturi et al., “Polypyrrole as a model membrane for drugdelivery”, Journal of Electroanalytical Chemistry, 1998, 453(1-2),231-238, Hepel, M. et al., “Application of the electrochemical quartzcrystal microbalance for electrochemically controlled binding andrelease of chlorpromazine from conductive polymer matrix”, MicrochemicalJournal, 1997, 56, 54-64, Yano, S. et al., “Extracellular release of arecombinant gene product by osmotic shock from immobilized microalga inelectroconductive membrane” Bioelectrochemistry and Bioenergetics, 1996,39, 89-93, Bidan et al., “Incorporation of Sulfonated Cyclodextrins intoPolypyrrole—An Approach for the Electro-controlled delivering ofNeutral-Drugs”, Biosensors & Bioelectronics, 1995, 10, 219-229, Hepel,M. et al., “Electrorelease of Drugs from Composite Polymer-Films” ACSSymposium Series, 1994, 545, 79-97.

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of compositions of matter accordingto the present invention. According to FIG. 4, fluorescently labeledantibodies 430 are released within the first, second, and third matrixmaterial sections 435,440,445. The first and second matrix materialsections 435,440 are separated by a first separator material 450 thatcan be devoid of the fluorescently labeled antibodies 430. The secondand third matrix material sections 440,445 are separated by a secondseparator material 455 that can be devoid of the fluorescently labeledantibodies 430. The different matrix material sections can provide for“pulses” of labeled material to be released at different times. Inparticular, after a barrier dissolves, the underlying matrix section canprovide for a pulsed release of the labeled antibody. This could beused, for example, to measure a level of antigen expression over time.Moreover, the first, second, and third matrix materials sections435,440,445 can each have different compositions of fluorescentlylabeled antibodies 430 to provide different rates of release over time.

FIG. 5 is a diagram that illustrates embodiments of in vivo circuits andsystems according to the present invention. A matrix material 530includes the fluorescently labeled antibodies that are released in atissue 500 as described, for example, in reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. Thematrix material 530 can be coupled to an apparatus 580 that can vary therate of release of the fluorescently labeled antibodies as described,for example, in reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

An optical radiation source 505 can include an amplifier that respondsto a control input A to provide an output current that passes through ahigh power light emitting diode that emits optical radiation 515. Theoptical radiation 515 can pass through a bio-fouling tissue 570 andexcite the fluorescent labels on the fluorescently labeled antibodies.

The excited fluorescent labels can emit an optical radiation 520 thatcan pass through the bio-fouling tissue 570 to reach an opticalradiation detector 510. For example, the optical radiation 520 impingesa photodetector. In response, the photodetector can generate a currentthat can be converted to a voltage level that represents the level ofthe optical radiation 520. In some embodiments according to the presentinvention, the photodetector is a photomultiplier. The optical radiationdetector 510 can include an absorption filter to reduce backgroundnoise.

The optical radiation source 505, the optical radiation detector 510,and the matrix material 530 can operate in conjunction with a processorcircuit 525. The processor circuit 525 can control the release of thefluorescently labeled antibodies from the matrix material 530 bycontrolling the apparatus 580 that, for example, vibrates the matrixmaterial 530 to vary the rate of release of the fluorescently labeledantibodies.

The processor circuit 525 can provide an input to the optical radiationsource 505. The processor circuit 525 can monitor an output signal Cfrom the optical radiation source 505 to determine, for example, thepower output thereof. Other functions may be monitored and/orcontrolled.

The processor circuit 525 can receive a voltage level B from the opticalradiation detector 510 to determine, for example, the intensity of theoptical radiation 520. The processor can provide an output E to atelemetry system (526). The telemetry system 526 can transmit/receivedata to/from an ex vivo system (not shown). The ex vivo system cancontrol the release of the fluorescently labeled antibodies bytransmitting a signal into the body for reception by the in vivo system.The in vivo system can release fluorescently labeled antibodies inresponse to the signal from the ex vivo system. Other signals can betransmitted from the ex vivo system. In some embodiments, thetransmitted/received data is digitally encoded. Other types of datatransmission may be used.

The in vivo system can transmit data to the ex vivo system. For example,the in vivo system can transmit data associated with the intensity ofthe optical radiation 520. The in vivo system can transmit other data tothe ex vivo system. Accordingly, the in vivo system can be implanted forin vivo use whereby the ex vivo system can control operations of the invivo system including receiving data from the in vivo system without anassociated invasive procedure.

In some embodiments, the in vivo system is powered remotely through thetissue in which it is implanted. For example, the in vivo system caninclude an inductor that provides power to the in vivo system via aninductively coupled power signal from the ex vivo system. In someembodiments, the in vivo system has a diameter of approximately 2 mm.

In the embodiments of the invention described above, a light emittingdiode (LED) or laser diode (for greater excitation intensity) can beused as the excitation source and a photodiode can be used to detect thecorresponding emission signal. Integral emission and absorption filterscan be introduced as needed in the form of dielectric coatings on thediode elements. Light emitting diodes, and photodetectors are nowcommonly available. These devices can be extremely compact, with a laserdiode being typically less than 100 μm. Thin film deposition and fiberoptic technologies known to the skilled artisan permit the constructionof extremely sharp optical filters.

An external sensor package for the optical implant apparatus describedabove may be about 2 mm×10 mm in the form of a rounded cylinder. Thisconfiguration may ease insertion into a subject when used in conjunctionwith a device similar to a biopsy needle. The standardization of packagesize and geometry may enable a diverse range of coatings such as diamondlike carbon (DLC) or glasses of various compositions and plastics. Theinner portion of the package can be used to provide a hermetic sealisolating the device from the effects of moisture and attack by thebody.

In some embodiments, laser diodes are mounted on a heat sink and emitlight from front and rear facets perpendicular to the circuit board. Theoptical power from the rear facet can be measured by a photodetectormounted on the opposite side of the circuit board. This permits feedback control of the optical power. On one side of the optical barrierdividing the cylinder, a signal photodiode receives the returnfluorescence or the absorption signal to be ratioed, as in the case ofoxygen measurements. An optical rejection filter can be deposited on thephotodetector to reduce background noise. The telemetry coil, driversand other electronics can be distributed on either side of the circuitboard.

The embodiments of the invention described herein may afford effectivebaseline correction, a potentially important consideration in thepractice of the present invention. Changes in diode laser output as afunction of time can be accommodated through the use of standardphotodiode feedback techniques. Measurements before and after insertioncan be used to provide an initial baseline. This may be helpful inassessing background fluorescence and the degree of non-specificbinding. The influence of external lighting as a parameter may also beassessed. The lifetime of the implant may be as long as six months oreven more in some cases.

One advantage of this detection scheme is that it may be relativelyresistant to the accretion of material on the outer surface of thesensor (“biofouling”). One aspect of the invention provides for emissionand absorption wavelengths through whatever over layer covers the sensorsurface. The circuit may also be coated with a biocompatible opticaltranslucent layer. Although close proximity of the target fluorophore tothe sensor is desirable, significant leeway is obtained for detection ofsignals away from the site of sensor implantation. As discussed herein,one embodiment includes a time-released, tagged antibody orevent-activated hybridization reaction. Continuous monitoring of theimplanted sensor is possible so that kinetics of the reaction can alsobe assessed.

In embodiments of the present invention, a lens system may or may not bepresent, but the detector is preferably placed in close proximity (e.g.,about 500 micrometers) to the source of fluorescence. In this way, thedetector may become the image plane. The sensor may alternatively benon-imaging and accordingly may be used as a binary-state detector forthe presence or absence of fluorescent signal.

As disclosed above, according to embodiments of the present invention,fluorescently labeled antibodies can be coupled to antigens associatedwith tumor cells. An optical radiation source can be used to excite thefluorescently labeled antibodies coupled to the antigens. Thefluorescently labeled antibodies emit optical radiation in response tothe excitation. A sensor can be used to detect a level of the opticalradiation emitted by the fluorescently labeled antibodies. The level ofoptical radiation can be used to determine the concentration of antigenspresent on the surface of the tissue. The concentration of antigens maythen be correlated to the proliferative state or growth behavior of thetissue. In the drawings and specification, typical preferred embodimentsand methods according to the present invention have been disclosed.Although specific terms have been used, they are used in a generic anddescriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope ofthe present invention being set forth in the following claims.

1. An implantable apparatus comprising: an optical radiation sourceconfigured for in vivo use to emit first optical radiation to excitelocal fluorescently labeled binding molecules in vivo which areselectively bound to target biomolecules; an optical radiation detectorconfigured for in vivo use to detect second optical radiation emitted byfluorescence of the labeled binding molecules bound to the targetbiomolecules in vivo in response to excitation exposure to the firstoptical radiation; a processor circuit, coupled to the optical radiationsource and the optical radiation detector, that controls the emission ofthe first optical radiation and that receives an intensity signalassociated with the intensity of the second optical radiation andtransmits a signal associated with the intensity of the second opticalradiation to an ex vivo system; and a supply of the fluorescentlylabeled binding molecules configured to be excited by the first opticalradiation, the supply being encapsulated by a material that dissolvesover time to release the fluorescently labeled binding molecules in vivoproximate to the target biomolecules to which the fluorescently labeledbinding molecules are configured to bind.
 2. An apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the optical radiation source emits the first opticalradiation through a bio-fouling tissue.
 3. An apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the optical radiation sensor detects the second opticalradiation through a bio-fouling tissue.
 4. An apparatus according toclaim 1, further comprising a platform having a diameter of about 2.0 mmon which the processor circuit, the optical radiation source, and theoptical radiation detector are mounted.
 5. An apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the supply of the fluorescently labeled bindingmolecules is located on a platform with the optical radiation source,the optical radiation detector, and the processor circuit.
 6. A circuitfor detecting biomolecules in vivo, the circuit comprising: an in vivooptical radiation source configured to emit first optical radiation; afirst in vivo optical radiation detector configured to detect the firstoptical radiation to provide an optical radiation source feed backsignal; a second in vivo optical radiation detector configured to detectsecond optical radiation emitted by excited labeled binding molecules;and a processor circuit, coupled to the in vivo optical radiation sourceand the first and second in vivo optical radiation detectors, configuredto change a level of the first optical radiation based on the opticalradiation source feed back signal.
 7. A circuit according to claim 6further comprising: a circuit board having the processor circuit and,the first and second optical radiation detectors thereon, wherein thefirst and second optical radiation detectors are on opposing sidesthereof.
 8. A circuit for detecting biomolecules in vivo, the circuitcomprising: an in vivo optical radiation source configured to emit firstoptical radiation; an in vivo optical radiation detector configured todetect second optical radiation emitted by excited labeled bindingmolecules; and a processor circuit, coupled to the in vivo opticalradiation source and the in vivo optical radiation detector, configuredto operate in conjunction with the release of labeled binding moleculesfor binding with biomolecules associated with tumors for excitation bythe first optical radiation and that receives an intensity signalassociated with the intensity of the second optical radiation.